The Sierra Leone Social Impact Award 2026 (SLSIA 2026) is the inaugural edition of a national platform designed to bring greater visibility and recognition to people and initiatives contributing to positive change across Sierra Leone.

SLSIA exists because meaningful impact is happening in communities across the country every day—but much of that work remains under-recognized.

The award provides an opportunity to identify and celebrate changemakers whose work is contributing to stronger communities, better opportunities, innovation, inclusion, economic development, environmental sustainability, and national progress.

SLSIA 2026 is designed around the principles of:

  • Fairness

  • Transparency

  • Inclusion

  • Equal opportunity

  • Integrity

  • Evidence of impact

  • Recognition of meaningful contribution

The platform welcomes nominations from all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, ensuring that recognition is not limited to people or organizations with large public profiles or extensive online visibility.

ABOUT SLSIA 2026

WHY SLSIA?

Because impact deserves recognition: Across Sierra Leone, many people are doing important work without receiving the visibility, recognition, or opportunities that their contribution deserves.

SLSIA seeks to change that by:

DISCOVER: Finding people, organizations, and initiatives creating meaningful change across Sierra Leone.

RECOGNISE: Giving visibility to demonstrated contributions and achievements.

CELEBRATE: Celebrating diverse forms of impact across communities and sectors.

INSPIRE: Encouraging more people to contribute to positive change.

CONNECT: Creating opportunities for changemakers to connect with peers, partners, and wider networks.

AMPLIFY: Helping stories of meaningful impact reach beyond the communities where they began.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

SLSIA is not simply about popularity or visibility.

Nominees will be considered based on the quality, relevance, impact, and credibility of their work.

The assessment framework considers:

1. Impact & Measurable Results

What difference has the nominee's work made to people, communities, institutions, the environment, or the economy?

2. Quality & Significance

How meaningful and relevant is the work in addressing a real challenge or creating an important opportunity?

3. Innovation & Creativity

Does the nominee demonstrate a creative, innovative, or effective approach to solving problems?

4. Leadership & Influence

How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, initiative, commitment, or the ability to mobilize others?

5. Sustainability & Community Engagement

Is the work capable of continuing, growing, or creating lasting value, and are communities meaningfully involved?

6. Evidence & Integrity

Can the contribution and achievements be supported through credible information and verification?

SLSIA 2026 welcomes nominations for:

  • Individuals

  • Youth leaders

  • Community changemakers

  • Organizations

  • Businesses

  • Projects

  • Initiatives

You can nominate yourself or someone else. You do not have to be famous, widely known, or have a large social media following. What matters is the work, the contribution, and the difference being made.

NOMINATE NOW

Nomination Deadline: 10 October 2026.

Across Sierra Leone, people are creating opportunities, solving problems, strengthening communities, and building a better future. Some are well known. Many are not.

The Sierra Leone Social Impact Award (SLSIA) 2026 is a national platform established by LEAD Sierra Leone to discover, celebrate, and recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, projects, and initiatives making meaningful contributions to communities and national development.

Through SLSIA, we want to bring these stories into the spotlight and create a culture where meaningful impact is seen, valued, and celebrated.

Nominations are now open in 10 sectors and 30+ recognition categories driven from every corner of Sierra Leone 

Youth Leadership & Engagement

The Sierra Leone Social Impact Award features multiple categories to honor diverse contributions to national development:

Media, Arts & Culture

Advocacy & Human Rights

Education & Academic Excellence

Environment & Sustainability

Food & Agriculture

Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship

Health & Well-Being

Community Development & Volunteerism

Diaspora & Institutional Impact

  • Environmental Activist of the Year

  • Climate Justice Advocate of the Year

  • Emerging Leader of the Year

  • Youth Activist of the Year

  • Child Rights Activist of the Year

  • Gender Advocate of the Year

  • Civic Engagement Initiative of the Year

  • Peace & Justice Advocate of the Year

  • Disability Rights Advocate of the Year

  • Agricultural Development Champion of the Year

  • Youth in Agribusiness Award

  • 50 Most Influential Students

  • Student-Led Initiative of the Year

  • 20 Most Influential Lecturers

  • Teacher of the Year

  • University of the Year

  • Inclusive Education Advocate of the Year

  • Media House of the Year

  • Arts & Culture Advocate of the Year

  • Sierra Leoneans in Diaspora Impact Award

  • Top 10 Most Impactful NGO of the Year

  • Community Development Project of the Year

  • Rural Changemaker Award

  • Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

  • Health Champion of the Year

  • Social Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Tech for Good Innovator of the Year

  • Health Innovation of Year

Award Categories

© 2025 LEAD Sierra Leone. All rights reserved